Hanif Shaikh | Dubai’s Fashion Industry King

Hanif Shaikh, Founder and Chairman of Emirates Holding Group, has become one of the most influential figures in Dubai’s fashion and luxury industry. Born in Mumbai to a middle-class family, Shaikh pursued an MBA in Marketing before moving across Saudi Arabia and Oman. In 2005, he took a bold step in the UAE by launching Emirates Holding Group, which has since grown into a diversified conglomerate spanning general trading, oil & gas, crypto, films, e-commerce, investments, and sustainable products.

Beyond business, Shaikh is best known for his impact on the fashion and events industry. Through Emirates Luxury Hub, he has produced more than 500 exhibitions and 200 fashion shows, building Dubai’s reputation as a global style capital. His landmark projects include the Eternal Runway 2025 at Marriott Al Jaddaf, which featured ten international designers and forty models in a showcase that merged couture, culture, and sustainability.

His leadership has been recognized worldwide. Hanif Shaikh has received over 100 prestigious awards, including the Pride of UAE Award at the Global Business Symposium in Abu Dhabi and the Golden Excellence Award in Business & Fashion, presented by HH Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan. These accolades underline his dual role as a successful entrepreneur and a cultural influencer.

Committed to giving back, Shaikh mentors young designers, supports women’s empowerment initiatives, funds philanthropic ventures, and champions sustainable fashion. For him, true success is measured by the positive impact left on communities.

Looking to the future, Shaikh is preparing new real estate projects in Dubai, as well as infrastructure ventures in Albania and Malta. He is also set to expand the Emirates Luxury Show to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Milan, and Cannes by 2027, alongside new international pageants and fashion platforms. His mission remains constant: to create world-class experiences where global talent meets global audiences.

With vision, resilience, and innovation, Hanif Shaikh has rightfully earned the title of "Dubai’s Fashion Industry King,” reinforcing the UAE’s standing as a global hub for fashion, culture, and luxury.